Enjoy idyllic, pastoral time in Shandong's city

The gentle rural terrain surrounding the county-level city of Linqing – administered by Liaocheng city in East China's Shandong province – offers enticing, must-go places for folks who want to experience a pastoral life during their leisure time.

They're bound to see idyllic, thick, and lush plants, wonderful flowers, and babbling running water – and at the end of the day catch an inspiring sunset. (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)

In Shangdian town in Linqing, the serene water and trees in a pond create a tranquil ambiance. [Photo by Wang Bin for chinadaily.com.cn]

Two shepherds tend their sheep in the countryside. [Photo by Wang Bin for chinadaily.com.cn]

A glorious sunset takes place at the Zhangwei Canal in Linqing. [Photo by Wang Bin for chinadaily.com.cn]